I Am a Smoker..

I have been trying so hard to quit smoking because of the recent taxation increases by the Federal Government. Cigarettes are so expensive these days as everyone knows. If you don't purchase them from a major retailer such as Speedway, Murphy USA or a similar large chain, you might end up paying $5.98 plus tax as of today in Ohio per pack. I unfortunately stopped by a store to purchase cigarettes when they were not on sale. While scanning the rack and posted prices on a variety of brands, trying to choose something I could enjoy and afford I was unable to make a decision. I hastily asked for Basic 100's because I had a coupon for 75 cents off a pack. I thought I would get a decent price that way.

When the clerk rang up my purchase, it came to a whopping $5.70 with my coupon. I felt sick! I would have paid about $6.50 for a pack of freaking Basics without that coupon! I simply cannot afford that! Who can?

I have tried Nicorette, it did not work for me, I went back to smoking as soon as I ran out of gum. I also made myself sick by chewing too much. I tried switching to a variety of cheaper brands and have got to the point of not even caring about the flavor, so long as it is tobacco. I have resorted to hand rolling non filtered cigarettes, and as much as it is hard to believe, I enjoy those too, but they leave really harsh nicotine stains on your fingers, lips and teeth. I am going to try Camel Snus and Orbs as soon as I head out for the day because I have something like 8 coupons for free packs of Snus, and 2 for Orbs.

It is hard to quit, and aside from the price I would not even consider quitting. I know smoking is bad for me, but so are a lot of things that we all do on a daily basis. I feel that life is short, and you got to live for each day. Everyone has issues in their life. We are all going to die some day. I might be a smoker, but I am not rude about it. I don't smoke in the car if someone who doesn't smoke is with me. I walk a respective distance away from others when I light up, I smoke outside at home, or if no one is home I open windows before smoking. I use my own portable ashtray and I don't toss my cigarette butts on the ground. I am a responsible smoker. Just for the record.

I feel it is super unfair that as an American I cannot smoke without paying a ridiculous price and paying the social price for my habit. Before too long, smokers will resort to buying their cigarettes in a dark alley, like it is crack or something. How sad....